How early education can help to reduce the skills gap

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), women in the construction industry make up just 15% of the workforce.

The number is growing, but at a time when the industry is facing challenges with workforce shortages and skills, it’s crucial we encourage more women into the industry – from a young age. 

I’ve worked in construction for most of my working life and I love it. As the social value co-ordinator for national social enterprise Fusion21, going out to construction sites and making sure social value is embedded into projects is a big part of my job.

I help firms deliver on the recruitment and community commitments they’ve signed up to, such as apprenticeships, work placements and voluntary work. 

Without a doubt, construction sites are male dominated. But what I’ve found, going on site, is that there isn’t this barrier that sometimes people assume there will be.

Most of the men I meet on site are friendly and welcoming. They are often happy to sit down and talk about what they need to do in terms of social value.  

I love seeing the impact we’re making on people’s lives in our local communities, and the men I’ve met are advocates. They really support women in construction and what we’re trying to do.  

So just how do we help women seek and thrive in careers in construction? I’m a firm believer that early education from the age of four or five upwards is the answer. Why can Bob the Builder not be Beth the Builder? 

At secondary school, they need to broaden pupils’ career horizons. And when girls get the option to take on courses, we should be encouraging them to consider some of the more traditionally male options, such as DIY and woodwork.  

 Schools could team up with the industry and bring in women who work in construction to speak to pupils about the many opportunities that are available to work in the industry.

Young girls need to hear from women who work on construction sites, or female plumbers and decorators, who love their jobs.   

Women aren’t just suited to admin roles. They are also brilliant quantity surveyors, contract managers and site developers.  

Hearing the perspectives and first-hand experiences of women from a young age is so important. At Fusion21, we encourage all our suppliers and partners to have women attend construction career talks and events to help showcase the opportunities there are for young females.  

More positive female role models, together with early education, will definitely help to persuade more women that construction is a great industry to be a part of. 

Clare Connolly is a social value co-ordinator at Fusion21.